Lungu’s son attempts to dodge cameras at court

Former president Edgar Lungu’s son, Dalitso brought some nursery school activity to the Lusaka Magistrates Court this morning as he engaged journalists in hide and seek games.

Dalitso was expected to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court in a matter he is co-charged with his wife for possessing 69 motor vehicles worth over K24 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Appearing before Lusaka Chief resident magistrate Davies Chibwili, lawyer Charles Changano indicated that Dalitso and his wife Matilda Milinga were before court but it seemed the State was not ready as the charge sheet was not before court neither was the case cause listed.

Changano asked the court to guide on how to proceed but magistrate Chibwili declined, on reasons that he could not comment on something he does not know.

“The state had given this date to our client for allocation we seek your direction maybe you can give a guidance,” Changano said.

Magistrate Chibwili maintained that he would not deal with Dalitso and his wife as the indictment was not before court neither was he communicated to by the National Prosecutions Authority.

“I haven’t seen that case, it’s not even on the cause list, so I cannot make any comment on that, something I have not seen,” said magistrate Chibwili.

Changano asked the Court to excuse the corruption-accused couple and allow it to leave because the case recorded was not before court.

Magistrate Chibwili permitted Dalitso and his wife to leave.

As Dalitso left the court room, he was met by a swarm of waiting reporters with photographing and filming gadgets ready to shoot.

Although first lady Esther Lungu along with former PF Secretary General Davies Mwila had turned up to show solidarity, the scribes only seemed interested in Dalitso.

Noticing that he was the centre of attention, Dalitso attempted to hide behind his mommy but his towering height betrayed him and journalists were determined to have him on camera.

After noting the resolve of the media workers, Dalitso decided the best way to escape the nosy journalists was to run.

With half his face hidden behind a massive black mask, Dalitso embarked on a mini marathon in the corridors of the Magistrate Court leaving his sympathyers behind but with journalists in hot pursuit.

Once in the car park, Dalitso jumped into a rickety navy blue Toyota Corolla X-Salloon which has not been seized by the law enforcement agencies and was eventually joined by his wife before speeding off.

Out of the the 69 vehicles 21 are registered in Dalitso’s name while 48 are said to be registered under Saloid Traders Limited, a company he jointly owns with wife, Matilda.

According to police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, Daliso is facing an extra charge of money laundering involving K23,981,966.45.

Hamoonga revealed that all the offences were allegedly committed between September 17, 2017 and January 24, 2022.

The State has since moved a motion before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court (High Court Division) to have the said vehicles and 25 pieces of land confiscated on the premise that they were dubiously obtained.

CAPTION: Dalitso Lungu (in a black mask) surveys his route as he attempts to dodge cameras – Picture by Kalemba

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

COPPERBELT PROVINCE WILL ALWAYS STAND WITH THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT ON HIS DECISIONS

We have taken note of some people on the Copperbelt trying to challenge the Presidential decisions.
As a province we have always been given priority by the President in terms of development and anyone who goes against the President’s decisions will not be entertained.

As Copperbelt Provincial Chairman, I hereby direct all structures not to be involved or entertain any grouping of individuals who are pulling against the Republican President and party ideologies of Unity, Job creation and Economic development.

The Republican President has constitutional powers to hire and fire and therefore such decisions must be respected by every Zambian especially UPND structures who are the bonafide custodians of the rulling party ideologies.

So far, we have a very hard working Republican President second to non in the history of mother Zambia and he needs our support not forming groupings to work against him.

As Copperbelt Province, we will not entertain indiscipline in the party and all structures are hereby directed to protect the good decisions of our President without fail.

Any individual who will be found on the wrong side of the Party ideologies and the President’s decisions will be dealt with accordingly.
As a party in the province, it’s our duty to protect our hardworking Republican President who has supported the party from opposition till now and giving us a good share of the national cake as Copperbelt Province.

Those found on the wrong side of the law should be answerable to the law on there own without involving our party structures.
To all Zambians we ask you to continue supporting our Republican President Mr Hakainde Hichilema because he means well for all of us as indicated so far in many campaign promises which have been fulfilled in the shortest period of time.
Issued by//
Hon Elisha Matambo
Copperbelt Province UPND Chairman

State frees former ZRA boss of abuse of authority

THE State has dropped the charge of abuse of authority against former Zambia Revenue Authority Director general Kingsley Chanda and his co-accused Calistus Kaoma.

The duo is accused of disposing of 22 vehicles belonging to ZRA without following guidelines.

Chanda 53, a consultant of house no. 17941 Tokyo new kasama and Kaoma also 53, a consultant of plot no. 126 Makeni Oriental were charged with 22 counts of willful failure to comply with procedure and one count of abuse of authority of office.

It is alleged that the two Between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2020 being public officers at the Zambia Revenue Authority a public body wilfully failed to comply with the law and procedure relating to the disposal of property in the manner the disposed 23 motor vehicles belonging to ZRA.

The duo was also accused of abusing its power in the manner it disposed of a Toyota Hilux and prejudiced government.

Among the vehicles are 13 Mitsubishi pajeros, a Nissan hardbody, a Nissan Tida, Nissan microbus, a Toyota Corolla, four Toyota Hilux,l and a Toyota prado.

Appearing before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court the duo could not take plea before principal resident magistrate Sylvia Munyinya as the charge sheet was faulty.

James Mataliro who is representing Chanda and Kaoma requested the State to choose a charge which they intend to pin his clients on, as count 12 and 13 bordered on the same facts though the charges were different.

He said his clients were is likely to be penalized twice over the same case as there was a multiplicity of charges and the Court risked violating the principle of double jeopardy.

“A perusal of abuse of authority and wilful failure to comply with procedure are all based on the manner in which a Toyota Hilux ABM 8166 was disposed of. Should this court convict the accused on both counts based on the same allegation, the accused will be liable to be punished twice,” said Mataliro.

“It prejudices the accused persons in the manner in which they need to defend themselves. The State should exercise its liberty to decide which offence they will charge the accused on either abuse of willful failure in the manner the car was disposed of to prevent them from the double jeopardy prejudice.”

State advocate Sipholiano Phiri indicated that the charges in question were different and out to be treated as such.

Magistrate Munyinya noted that there was a repetition on the charges and directed that Chanda and Kaoma will not take plea until the defects are corrected.

“A study of the two counts reveals that the particulars of the two charges relates to the manner the accused disposed of the vehicle.
The offences are based on the same facts and this amounts to multiplicity of charges and the accused cannot take plea on both counts,” she directed.

Phiri made an application to amend the indictment and dropped the charge of abuse against the duo.

Magistrate Munyinya further guided that the State produces clean copy at the next sitting and the same should tally with the consent to prosecute the matter which has been issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“The charge sheet be amended by the removal of count 12,” said Magistrate Munyinya.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba July 12, 2023.

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

12th July, 2023

UPND MUST STOP SHIELDING ITS CADRES

The United Party for National Development (UPND) must stop shielding its cadres who are busy harassing innocent citizens in markets, bus stations and selected residential areas of Lusaka.

Instead of merely apportioning blame on the Patriotic Front (PF) which has nothing to do with the new form of cadre-ism in the ‘party of angels’ (UPND). The ruling party must swiftly work towards protecting the general citizenry from these acts of lawlessness.

I wish to challenge Hon. Obvious Mwaliteta to tell the nation what his party is doing to fight cadre-ism since it is one thing that they have been singing about.

Now that UPND has disowned its own cadres, we implore them to demonstrate their seriousness in fighting cadre-ism by arresting those that are masquerading as cadres of this inconsistent party.

We strongly condemn the lawlessness promoted by Mr. Mwaliteta in the video circulating on social media where he is erroneously instructing his youth chairman to go out and harass people in markets and bus stations. Mwaliteta should let the police do their work by restoring order in these public places for the good of all citizens. Where will these UPND youths draw their authority to control operations in public places?

UPND need to accept that they have failed to fight cadre-ism within the rank and file of their party because already, they are busy demarcating land close to the flyover bridge near Kamwala area and along Lumumba road, near Lumumba Bus Station.

In fact is very clear to us that Mr. Mwaliteta is the one who is encouraging these Cadres to be extorting money from Marketeers and Bus stations in defiance of the Presidential directive against this vice because of his appetite to become the UPND Secretary General.

I further wish to call upon the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to show leadership by swinging into action to curtail this ugly vice and bring back sanity in markets and bus stations within the city.

Hon. Christopher Shakafuswa (MP, MCC)
PF PROVINCIAL CHAIRMAN – LUSAKA

May be an image of 7 people and text

By Lawrence Mwelwa
Once upon a time in the land of Zambia, a champion of democracy and good governance emerged defeating President Lungu who has been in the spotlight lately. His name was President Hakainde Hichilema, and he vowed to fight against corruption wherever it reared its ugly head. Hasn’t he done wonders already exposing the ECL Family riches.

But as the people began to wonder about President Hichilema’s worth and assets, they discovered a peculiar silence. It seemed that he was avoiding the very thing he championed – declaring his assets. The whispers started, and the people couldn’t help but wonder why.
Could it be that President Hichilema, in his intelligence, was avoiding the revealing of his assets? After all, his private residence, Community House, had suddenly become his official residence. Rumors circulated that state funds were used to make it suitable and habitable for a sitting President.

The citizens raised their eyebrows in suspicion. Was the President shunning accountability questions by withholding his assets? They knew that once the declarations were made public, the murmurs would turn into a deafening roar. The citizens couldn’t help but wonder if their hard-earned money was being used to increase the value of his private residence.

You see, the requirement for leaders to declare their assets and liabilities is not just a bureaucratic exercise. It serves a higher purpose – promoting transparency and accountability in governance. But here, it seemed, was a President who danced around the very principles he claimed to uphold.

First and foremost, asset declarations are meant to prevent corruption. By laying bare their financial standing before assuming office, leaders are discouraged from seeking illicit enrichment or using public resources for personal gain. It’s a way to keep them in check, to ensure they are held accountable for their financial decisions and actions.

But what about conflicts of interest? Asset declaration helps identify any potential conflicts between a leader’s wealth and their official duties. It’s a handy tool to see if decisions are influenced by personal financial interests, making sure that favoritism and biased decision-making are kept at bay.

Beyond that, asset declarations help build trust with the public. When leaders disclose their assets, it demonstrates a commitment to transparency and integrity. It shows that they are willing to be held accountable for their financial actions, instilling confidence among the citizenry.

Regular declarations also allow the verification of wealth accumulation. By comparing successive disclosures, any suspicious or unexplained wealth can be flagged. This helps in the fight against illicit enrichment and corruption, making sure that no one gets away with ill-gotten gains.

Lastly, asset declaration strengthens democracy. It empowers citizens to assess leaders’ compliance with the law, their ethical standards, and their ability to manage public funds responsibly. In knowing their leaders’ financial information, voters can make informed choices during elections, ensuring that only those fit for the job are entrusted with power.

So, dear citizens of Zambia, the tale of President Hakainde Hichilema and his elusive assets continues. Will he step forward and embrace the transparency he so passionately advocates for? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain – the fight for accountability and good governance goes on, regardless of who tries to dodge it.

WHO IS STILL DISPUTING THAT CDF IS NOT A GAME CHANGER ?…***

By Stembridge Sikalundu

We should always recall when some parliamentarians in the opposition said increasing CDF allocations from ZMK 1.6 million to ZMK 28.3 was going to be a hoax to the people of zambia because it was assumed to be impossible to find this money by the UPND govt . Some people get offended when we speak about the trails of good leadership under the responsible president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA , we are challenged that CDF funds are not for the president but for the zambian people , we do agree with them that indeed these are public funds . However it is only this govt under the new dawn which has unprecedentedly rewritten this history by availing such colossal sums at constituency level for the first time .

We should not be illusioned by political misfits because of their lack of capacity and vision to understand that the difference in policy outline and orients promotes the support to highlight the name of the president because under his leadership period what was assumed impossible has been brought into effect in the country , and CDF funds are indeed changing the face look of the country . Without president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA this country could have continued to recieve or not ZMK 1.6 million , this is a better difference we all need to appreciate as people’s.

We are a multiparty state , in this dispensation we have many opposition political parties , many opposition elected leaders from different political parties , we also have independent elected persons , we encouraged and gave counsel to opposition elected and independent leaders , parliamentarians and councellors to get involved with CDF because it was going to bring dignity and praises to these elective leadership positions , some people took it political and they have continued to disassociate themselves because UPND is in power and improving the governance processes , unlike before when the CDF was little and not funded on time , some constituencies were considered political boundaries because of then being opposition strongholds . What is good for the country is good for the people.

It is encouraging to see some parliamentarians acknowledging the straight vision of president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA through decentralisation which is actively precipitating development around the country at local community levels . What was pervcieved to be a nightmare has brought enormous benefits in the country , many school classes have been built an indication of a deserved service in improving the quality of education in the country , these are intellectual expositions which the UPND govt has brought in line with what was promised to the people of zambia . The minister of local govt is on record ensuring all local authorities in the country are reinvigorated to see that there is equal translation of benefits in the country . God bless mother Zambia .

I CRY ZAMBIA IS MY BELOVED COUNTRY

UPND IS TAKING US BACK TO COLONIAL AUTHORITIES-MBITA CHITALA

“We were also hoping that the return of Mopani and KCM to government would herald a progressive policy direction initiated by president Edgar Lungu but it appears the UPND will be taking us back to the situation of 1964 where Zambia will have no shareholding or controlling interest as is the shameful case with Kalumbila Mine where Zambia has zero shareholding”

WE NEED A DEVELOPMENTAL STATE LED BY PATRIOTS – CHITALA

Lusaka, Tuesday, July 11, 2023 ( The Mast)

MBITA Chitala says Zambians should find a leadership that will protect natural resources such as minerals for their benefit.

In his write-up titled: Zambia needs a developmental state and leadership, Dr Chitala fears that the current government is protecting foreign interests over national when it comes to mineral wealth.

“We were also hoping that the return of Mopani and KCM to government would herald a progressive policy direction initiated by president Edgar Lungu but it appears the UPND will be taking us back to the situation of 1964 where Zambia will have no shareholding or controlling interest as is the shameful case with Kalumbila Mine where Zambia has zero shareholding,” he said.

“Such a public policy approach would continue the de-industrialisation and exploitation of Zambia as this neo-colonial path will never allow Zambia to accumulate investable surpluses and build a strong middle class to address decisively poverty eradication, inequality and backwardness in our country.”

He explained how Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s government tried to protect minerals despite being fought hard by foreign forces.

Dr Chitala said the UNIP administration ensured the country benefited from minerals.

“For our country to start in earnest addressing poverty eradication, inequality and backwardness, we need a developmental state led by patriotic Zambians who will facilitate capital accumulation on an expanded scale,” he explained.

“The closest we got to this was when president K. Kaunda nationalised our copper mines in 1968 and established buoyant parastatal sector that built a strong middle class through ZIMCO, INDECO, ZCCM, FINDECO and so on, exactly like South Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia did. Unfortunately, Kaunda failed because of the global oil crisis and the drop in prices of our base metals engineered by finance capital. We again tried when president Levy Mwanawasa introduced windfall taxation of mines, but again failed when president Rupiah Banda with his minister Hon Situmbeko Musokotwane strangely reversed this progressive policy direction.”

Dr Chitala further explained various suggestions patriotic Zambians have made over the country’s mineral wealth.

“As for Zambia, many patriots have made suggestions on how we can benefit from our resources. At the very least, we should find a leadership that will create a developmental state and implement the following policy initiatives: Declare copper, cobalt, gold, emeralds, sugilite strategic minerals as the Arabs and Norwegians did for their oil,” he said.

“Amend our Constitution to provide guarantees that not less than 51 per cent local ownership in all mines. There must be sovereign ownership of all natural resources – land, water, minerals. Abolish the foolish idea of allowing 100 per cent deduction for exploration costs, development costs and making royalties tax deductible. This will mean that it is not Zambians who fund these projects. These costs in all countries are normal and investors offset them through their profit and loss accounts. Decriminalise small-scale mining of gemstones and simply provide for mechanisms for sharing production with the state 50-50 rising to 70 per cent for the state.”

Dr Chitala advised Zambians against thinking that taxes and employment creation are the real benefits they should get from mine investors.

“We Zambians must stop thinking that employment creation and tax payments by these investors is a benefit or an advantage to Zambia. This employment and tax payment is normal and without Zambians being employed and paying taxes, there would be no mining of our base metals,” he said.

“These costs are inherent in any business. We should also by deed promote value addition and beneficiation as president Kaunda tried to do in establishing ZAMEFA which we foolishly privatised to foreign interests. Our emeralds, gold, sugilite and other gemstones must first be processed in Zambia as is the case in all serious countries.”

Meanwhile, Dr Chitala suggested other ways of caring for minerals in public interest.

“As for copper and cobalt, share production 50/50 as Zambia’s contribution to the business is its ownership of the mineral. In fact, the mineral to be mined must first be valued and this would represent Zambia’s interest in the mine. This approach also takes care of the royalties which after all do not take into account the thieving enjoyed by these investors in value-added activities conducted outside Zambia’s jurisdiction,” he said.

“It is shameful to note that one Bank of Zambia [article] published online indicated that Zambia collected $313.5 million in the third quarter of 2022 and collected only $115.8 million in 2022 of first quarter of 2023 because our leaders decided to make royalties tax deductible at Zambia’s expense.”

And Dr Chitala called for the establishment of a sovereign fund to help create quality employment opportunities.

He also suggested more cost-reflective methods of extracting minerals.

“On the basis of this, Zambia can easily establish a sovereign fund which Mwanawasa almost created but unfortunately passed away and was replaced by neo-colonialist lackeys as Kwame Nkrumah used to call them. This is what will create quality employment opportunities and expand our investable surpluses and decisively deal with poverty and backwardness,” said Dr Chitala.

“Yes, if we cannot do these minimal things for ourselves, we must leave these resources untapped until future generations can find more cost-reflective methods to extract these minerals from our land and process them to benefit our country.”

People losing properties everyday without due process of law, claims Mundubile

MPOROKOSO PF member of parliament, Brian Mundubile says Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu should take time to direct and instruct police officers to conduct themselves within the confines of the law.

Mundubile was speaking yesterday when he, in the company of other PF members of parliament, visited Lumezi independent member of parliament Munir Zulu at Lusaka Central Correctional Facility (Chimbokaila) to offer him a container of water.

A cut in power supply on Sunday, that spilt into yesterday, in Kamwala, Kabwata and surrounding areas, prompted water cuts in the said areas.

Lusaka Magistrates’ Court and Chimbokaila are situated in the same areas and the situation led to adjournment, to today, of court sessions at the magistrates’ court.

Therefore, Zulu, like other suspects, could not appear in court.

After the visit, Mundubile and his entourage spent some good 12 minutes off their schedule to speak in a Facebook live video, where they grieved about this and that.

Mundubile, who is leader of the opposition in Parliament, talked about the many things that PF has noticed, regarding the current government’s continuous ‘abductions’ or the manner of arresting suspects.

“Opposition political parties are not supposed to be looked as enemies; we occupy a special place in a democratic dispensation. So like right now, there are a number of things that we have noticed that need to be worked on. For instance, we will continuously talk about abductions or the manner of arrests and the rights of suspects,” Mundubile said.

He said despite everything, Zulu is very safe and comfortable in custody and that he is currently in high spirit.

“But we will continue to talk about human rights violations. We want to call upon the police command; there is [an] acting home affairs minister yesterday who was commending police officers that they are doing a great job. I want to say that that’s a lost opportunity; the minister should have taken time to instruct and direct police officers that they must act within the confines of the law,” said Mundubile.

“…People are losing properties everyday without the due process of the law.” So you cannot say that officers are discharging functions with diligence. So as the PF, we will stand with the Zambian people to ensure there’s fair treatment of suspects and every citizen.”

He added that if the UPND government’s intentions of curbing corruption are true, they must do it within the confines of the law and begin investigating current government officials.

By Buumba Mwitumwa

Kalemba

CHILUNDIKA IS A SACRIFICIAL LAMB, HIS DISMISSAL NOTHING TO CELEBRATE- MUNDUBILE

By News Diggers Reporter

PF presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile says the dismissal of former Luapula Province Minister Derricky Chilundika and other top government officials is nothing to celebrate because they are just sacrificial lambs.

Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema said past, present and future corruption must all be fought, noting that he has fired a minister and permanent secretary whom he appointed to allow the law to take its course.

But in an interview, Mundubile said the PF has serious doubts about the current corruption fight.

He said the opposition party has highlighted many corruption issues under the UPND government but no action has been taken.

“On the position of fighting corruption, we have cast serious doubts on that fight because there are a number of issues that we’ve raised to do with corruption but there’s been no action. There were issues to do with the procurement of fertiliser soon after they came to power. There was a contract to do with the construction of health facilities costing $100 million. We saw a PS from there being fired but there have been no further investigations.

[There’s the issue of] the PS agriculture refusing to avail documents to the Auditor General when a number of issues had been raised and there was no action.

There’s an illegal mining operation at KCM and the matter has been brought to the House by MPs who had gone there for committee work. Questions were raised and there’s been no comment from government,” he said.

“So, that together with a number of other issues to do with corruption under the new dawn have gone without comment. So the PS and the former Luapula Province minister are just sacrificial lambs. There’s bigger corruption that has been going on and there’s been no action. We started talking about Sugilite as early as February. We saw that there were selective arrests while others have continued to be spared for God knows what reason. There was a report of a Minister coming out of a Chinese shop carrying a heavy bag. All those things went unattended to. I think that the statement attributed to the President saying that he’s fighting corruption is really far-fetched”.

Mundubile said the new dawn government was more focused on persecuting political opponents on flimsy grounds.

“There is nothing to celebrate, Zambians know well. The examples I have given you are just off the cuff. If we were to tabulate how many of such cases, if you look at Kasonde Mwenda, he delivered a dossier to the ACC of cases involving UPND officials. We haven’t seen any action from the Executive. So to say that they are fighting corruption, really is laughable. Not only is it too early, there’s nothing to celebrate because we can’t see the effort in the first place and there’s no political will to do that. Most of the people that are mentioned in these cases are top government officials. So for a man who campaigned to fight corruption decisively, we have seen that he’s focused on persecuting political opponents on flimsy grounds. When evidence is delivered to the Executive on the corruption under the current government, we have seen total silence,” he said.

And commenting on government’s congratulatory message to law enforcement agencies for effectively executing their duties and hitting criminals’ pockets, during a recent pass-out parade for DEC officers, Mundubile said government should have used the opportunity to urge officers to continue acting within the law.

“It was a lost opportunity. What the acting minister (Silvia Masebo) should have emphasised on is that the officers should continue to act within the law. The acting home affairs minister knows that the conduct of police officers in effecting arrests, handling suspects has been totally against the law. I feel that should have been an opportunity for the acting minister to encourage police officers to continue acting professionally. Those that have graduated earlier who are implementing law enforcement have raised a number of concerns. The concerns are clear for all to see that suspects have been treated in a manner that is not in conformity with the provisions of the law,” he said.

“Suspects still enjoy their rights and torture is against the law, abductions of suspects that we have witnessed in the recent past. So if she is congratulating them for breaking the law, then we’re dealing with a government of lawlessness. So it’s unfortunate that the minister who should have taken that opportunity to tutor the young officers who were graduating to ensure that they adhere to the provisions of the law, she’s now congratulating them for what many citizens are seeing as total lawlessness. Police acting with impunity and outside the law”.

Meanwhile, on Drug Enforcement Commission Director General Nason Banda’s statement that DEC shall leave no stone unturned in the fight against illicit drugs and financial crimes, Mundubile said the Commission should have admitted that some of its actions in the recent past were against the law.

“As for DEC, they lost an opportunity to try and make a statement that some of the procedures that they’ve used in the recent past are totally against the law. We have seen that they’ve gone to the media for instance to announce seizure of property even without due process. So for them to say they are happy with that, to many Zambians it remains very clear that we are dealing with a government that is ready to go to lengths and continue acting outside the law just to try people in the courts of public opinion. To traumatise people and convict them in the media. So for me, I feel it’s a lost opportunity and it should be a source of concern and worry to all law abiding citizens to see that their leaders are actually priding themselves in actions that are totally against the law,” said Mundubile.

UPND AND PF ARE SIAMESE TWINS IN THE CORRUPTION FIGHT

By Isaac M. Mwanza

ONE of the key promises that Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema made before and after forming government was his commitment to fighting corruption and other crimes.

In the fight to end violent cadrerism, President Hichilema has done quiet well although incidences of violent behaviour among his cadres still exist.

Given that the level that violent cadrerism and impunity had become widespread and a norm over the last 30 years, this may be understandable but he must not lose guard.

Last week, the corruption fight was a popular topic in the media, generated by discussions among opposition political figures, Government and civil society.

Patriots for Economic Party (PeP) President, Sean E. Tembo, questioned the basis upon which the anticorruption body and the courts arrive at a determination and verdict that a person had indeed property that is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The prosecution formula of using market values of property, and attaching that value to known earnings of an accused person is not only flawed and laughable but also produces greater injustice.

An argument from those opposed to the law on “proceeds of crime,” is that our law enforcement agencies are engaged in lifestyle audit of those whom government is not uncomfortable with, to determine who gets to be prosecuted.

In simple terms, the work of investigators has been reduced to assessing an individual’s income, assets and investments in order to form suspicion that the property and gains could be a result of some unknown crime. But the catch in that crime is that suspicion ought to be “reasonable.” That, however, is a topic for another day.

During the week, Socialist Party President Fred M’membe has also raised eyebrows in government when he boldly alleged that President Hichilema’s administration is a “looting machine:”

“…we insist that there is absolutely no corruption Mr Hichilema is truly fighting and that the current fight against corruption is nothing but sheer hypocrisy and vengeance all of which serve to conceal current and ongoing, let alone expanding, corruption,” wrote Dr. M’membe on his Facebook page.

The social media posting attracted a sharp official response from Government with Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Chushi Kasanda writing:

“Government encourages and welcomes constructive criticism aimed at improving governance and eliminating corruption. However, we expect such discussions to be based on facts and supported by credible evidence.”

Like Siamese twins with the previous regime which dismissed corruption allegations, information minister adopted the coined “mfwiti, mfwiti” (witch-hunting) style of dismissing these new allegations. She further wrote:

“The claims by Dr. M’membe questioning Government’s sincerity in fighting corruption are without merit and lack substantive evidence (to find “mfwiti” in the village) …We have implemented comprehensive measures to strengthen anticorruption institutions, enhance transparency in public procurement processes and foster a culture of accountability across all sectors.”

In the belief of Hon. Minister Kasanda, some measures implemented by her government have resulted in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigating several cases and securing a number of convictions.

Am aware that Dr. M’membe has comprehensively made a response to this statement, citing a number of cases bordering on alleged corruption. But there are also several other questions the statement by the Ministers raises.

What are those measures, if any, which could have been undertaken that have strengthened the anticorruption body? Apart from the alleged corruption and abuse of authority that happened under the previous regimes, how many new cases of corruption have been investigated and where conviction has been achieved?

If the Minister had done a little research, she would have discovered that 99 percent of the cases that have been investigated and taken to court are not connected with the alleged corruption that happened under the new dawn administration.

And the reason could be simple: the manner in which LEAs operate has always focused on alleged corruption in previous regimes and, in extremely rare cases, to wrongdoing in a present regime.

Commenting on the recent arrest of Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary Mukuli Chikuba, Civil and political rights activist Brebner Changala observed that Mr Mukuli was quietly arrested without drama associated with other arrests of persons in similar position because he is allegedly close to the powers and on the side of those in government.

Since time immemorial, this has remained the biggest problem in Zambia’s corruption-corruption drive. The Minister may no longer see it because she is now in government but ordinary citizens clearly see this kind of scheme.

There is always a powerful and well-connected group whom officers from these LEAs would investigate but cannot not dare bring to book.

Currently, we have an alleged corruption at the Water Management Authority (WARMA), reported by various media, where people in senior positions forged contracts of employment and services in order to gain illicit enrichment.

It has been alleged that some senior directors at WARMA got additional income, based on the contracts they forged when the WARMA Board had been dissolved by the New Dawn Government.

In another instance, these senior bureaucrats entered into some motor vehicle “agreements” which facilitated payment of monies directly from WARMA into their personal bank accounts.

Some inquiry with these local companies who purportedly supplied vehicles reveal that no such sale was made; there are no financial records to show that necessary taxes were paid to government by these motor vehicle dealers for the alleged “sale” of vehicles in question.

Question is why has there been total silence to deal with this illicit enrichment, fraud, abuse of authority and tax evasion at WARMA. Is it because persons under investigations have made themselves close to the powers that be and on the side of those in government?

According to media reports, the inertia is attributed to fact that WARMA allegedly pays allowances to some UPND members, without the knowledge of the President. But how is that possible that a government institution can be paying allowances to cadres?

Under the PF, there are some reports that known cadres were employed at ZESCO and walked away with hefty salaries, which some allege were being shared with some senior party officials without the President knowing.

In the current situation, the question is whether Government is aware that some cadres who hold diplomas are getting employed in government institutions, including WARMA, and are allocated salaries for degree holders. Could it be that they are also sharing these salaries with senior party officials in the UPND?

What does the WARMA Board know about what is going on in the institution they preside over? Is it that the Board is an accomplice to the wrongs or they prefer to have their board allowances in silence?

If there are lessons top bureaucrats in government can learnt from their colleagues who are now being pursued is that these cases which get swept under the carpet usually pop-up another day in future. These very institutions that look the other side today do magically wake up the following day to bite.

It is the belief of this author that President Hichilema has shown good intentions to fight corruption but his intentions are threatened by the systemic crippling of institutions by his powerful lieutenants.

Former Luapula Province Minister Derrick Chilundika was not bluffing when he said he was going to cripple the system. The evading and eventual arrest of officers and highly influential people connected to the Suglite scandal shows that it is indeed possible to cripple the law enforcement system.

As this author joins many in commending President Hichilema for taking a decisive action against his former Minister, some erring law enforcement officers and his own party officials, I urge him to listen more to public sentiments and tell his ministers to avoid being dismissive when issues are brought up.

Of course, society must treat all suspects as innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. These suspects or accused persons deserve to enjoy their rights, including the right to bond or bail and to be fairly tried in court than in the media.

There are many law enforcement officers and civil servants who still have trust in President Hichilema’s leadership to fight corruption and other crimes but these are getting resigned to help because the system is being crippled by powerful politicians and senior bureaucrats within his circles.

Subject: A Plea for Consideration: The Importance of Thinking Ahead

Dear Honorable Members of the UPND Administration,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as you steer our nation towards a brighter future. As a creative writer and concerned citizen, I feel compelled to share some thoughts regarding the recent discussions surrounding the potential weakening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

History has shown that politicians often underestimate the long-term consequences of their actions. The pursuit of short-term gains can sometimes blind us to the potential adverse effects on our own future. It is crucial to remember that power is transient, and the decisions we make today may ultimately impact us tomorrow, when we find ourselves no longer in possession of the golden box of instruments of power.

The Office of the DPP plays a vital role in upholding justice and ensuring the fair treatment of all citizens, regardless of political affiliations. Recent comments regarding potential schemes to collapse the justice system for personal gain are deeply concerning. If true, this course of action could undermine the principles of transparency and accountability that we have fought so hard to uphold.

Rather than seeking to weaken institutions, I urge you to consider an approach that strengthens our justice system, ensuring its independence and ability to operate impartially. Laws should be crafted with fairness and inclusivity in mind, avoiding any potential loopholes that could be exploited for personal or political gain.

Before enacting any law, it is essential to conduct thorough research and comprehensive legislative impact assessments. This would allow for a clearer understanding of the potential consequences, not only for those accused of corruption but also for the future of our nation as a whole. By considering the impact on future governments, we can avoid unintentional repercussions that may come back to haunt us.

It is worth reflecting on the experiences of previous administrations, such as the MMD and PF, who also found themselves on the other side of the political divide. Their attempts to use the law as a tool against political opponents ultimately backfired, causing harm to their own members. Let us learn from their mistakes and ensure that the laws we create are fair, just, and capable of standing the test of time.

I implore you, dear leaders, to take a moment to pause and reflect on the potential consequences of weakening the Office of the DPP. Remember that power is fleeting, but the impact of our decisions can be long-lasting. Let us strive to build a nation where justice prevails and where the rights and freedoms of all citizens are protected.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Lawrence Mwelwa

Unveiling truth, sparking debate

Visit my page for thought provoking articles

PF, SOCIALIST PARTY SUFFERS SETBACKS IN MUMBWA

………..as scores of their members join the ruling UPND

July 10, 2023

MUMBWA – Scores of Patriotic Front PF and Socialist party members in Mumbwa Central and Nangoma led by their district and constituency officials yesterday ditched their political parties in preference for the UPND at an event attended by UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda leaving the two political parties a shell of themselves.

The UPND’s sound policy direction has been acknowledged by defectors as a key factor in their decision to join the party with Nangoma Constituency Socialist Party Chairperson Cosmas Chiilwe citing the agenda of taking development closer to the people as reason for joining the UPND.

Mr. Chiilwe added that the New Dawn administration is changing the face of most rural communities, citing the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund and other incentives that have led to improved standards of living for the people of Nangoma as some of the reasons that left him and other socialist party members in the constituency to join a party that puts the interests of the people first.

He further added that his team was proud to publicly renounce the Socialist Party because the UPND has restored peace in the country as he urged citizens to rally behind President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND led administration in fostering national development, peace and unity.

And Former Mumbwa Constituency PF Chairperson Malinda Derrick extolled President Hakainde Hichilema’s achievement on the debt restructuring programme describing it as a driving force to join the party.

In receiving the team, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda urged the defectors to support government’s agenda of ensuring that resources are used prudently.

Mr. Imenda was accompanied by UPND National Trustee Grace Chivube and other senior party officials.

(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM

Lack of water at Lusaka Magistrates Court keeps Munir Zulu in jail

LACK of water at the Lusaka Magistrates Court has prevented remanded Lumezi Constituency member of parliament Munir Zulu from appearing for his bail application.

After revoking his bond and fining him K200 last Friday for shunning court hearings in a matter he is charged with criminal libel against two government ministers, the court also ruled that Zulu be remanded until the case is concluded.

However, Zulu applied for bail whose ruling was set for today.

Today, Lusaka Chief resident magistrate Davies Chibwili indicated that he could not attend to cases involving remandees due to lack of water and an interruption in power supply at the Magistrates’ Court Complex.

“It is a notorious fact that this place we have no power, meaning water too and as a result all those who are in custody have not been brought to court. Therefore this case (Zulu’s libel case) together with others (inmates) will come up tomorrow,” said magistrate Chibwili.

Zulu is in court for accusing two government ministers Charles Milupi and Situmbeko Musokotwane for engaging in corruption.

The lawmaker had explained that he was not in court when his case came up for mention as he had gone to offer solidarity to Given Lubinda who was appearing before magistrate Trevor Kasanda for breaching parliamentary privileges.

He said he is represented by the same lawyers from Makebi Zulu advocates who are representing Lubinda and the time he was expected to be in Court the lawyers prioritized Lubinda’s case.

The lawmaker said the lawyers did not guide him to have his case mentioned without them.

Magistrate Chibwili was not moved by Zulu’s explanation as he had previously missed Court on flimsy excuses of car trouble and not having a court schedule.

Zulu’s lawyer Jonas Zimba pleaded with the Court to admit the lawmaker to bail on reasons that his detention would be detrimental to the interests of the constituents in Lumezi Constituency.

Magistrate Chibwili is tomorrow expected to render a ruling on whether to admit Zulu to bail or keep him behind bars until his criminal case is disposed of.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

THE CASE OF THE OFFENSIVE VESTIGES OF COLONIALISM
[Mr Nicholas Woolley]

Mr Nicholas WOOLLEY, the British High Commissioner to Zambia is our guest.
And being here on behalf of His King, we are happy to have him in Zambia.

Britain, Mr Woolley’s country, is guilty of the worst atrocities ever committed against black Africa by any empire.
Aware of this, Mr WOOLLEY ought to be living in cold fear, walking scared on the streets of Africa.

I am surprised that Mr WOOLLEY is NOT surprised at the hospitality we have extended to him, that the freedom with which he lives in Lusaka, he might actually not be accorded in his own London.
Worse still for blacks in his country.

You see, Mr WOOLLEY, Zambia does NOT segregate against the British.
But the British, to this day, segregate against black people.

If you are black, even a stellar performance for the English National Football team doesn’t earn you respect or the bragging rights as an Englishman.
Just ask Marcus RASHFORD.

We wish to inform Mr WOOLLEY that, here in Africa, we have REMAINED human.
Elsewhere, in many places we won’t mention here for reasons of space, we are aware that decadence has now taken root and MUTANTS now inhabit those wretched lands.

In Zambia, Mr WOOLLEY has, perhaps inadvertently, elevated himself to a LORD.
His behaviour is increasingly REMINISCENT of Civil Rhodes, overbearing, condescending and impertinent.

We are NOT savages you see.
And we are no longer slaves.

Mr WOOLLEY appears to think that Zambia is still a British protectorate.
Will somebody please give him some coffee so he quickly wakes up.

As his lackey, Mr WOOLLEY might be managing our Republican President.
But Mr WOOLLEY is NOT managing Zambia and its people.

For the information of Mr WOOLLEY, it is the people of Zambia who collectively have AUTHORITY over their Republican Presdent and NOT the other way round.
It then follows that it is folly for him to reduce himself to a PRAISE SINGER for one man only, only a transient phenomenon.

Mr WOOLLEY should read the latest US Human Rights report on Zambia. This report, done by his own relatives, notes and has documented human rights abuses by the UPND in government.
It notes, using paraphrased language, that the political and democracy space have SHRUNK in Zambia.

But despite this objective view, Mr WOOLLEY disputes this and claims that Zambia is doing fine and democracy is growing.
Come on, Mr WOOLLEY, really? You must be out of your mind.

As if high on a psychoactive substance, Mr WOOLLEY, full of praise and adulation, says ‘HH wakulekafye.’
Really, Mr Woolley? Since when did you become Hakainde HICHILEMA’s PR frontman?

Is this really what King CHARLES sent you here for?
To dabble/meddle in the internal affairs of Zambia and mock its citizens?

Zambia, Mr WOOLLEY, might be doing fine in your Embassy, and democracy might growing there. Fine.
But here where we are, in Mandebvu [Lusaka] and Racecourse and Kapoto [Kitwe], Mr WOOLLEY, the rule of law is in tatters. Citizens are suffering torture by the State, arbitrary arrests have become everday, overall, police brutality is on the rise, and citizens are being found guilty in the press by the State, before being tried in the courts of law.

Mr Woolley, what has happened to your diplomatic eyes?
Has sycophancy blinded you that you now can’t see all these atrocities?

But then of course, these atrocities pale in comparison to what your ancestors committed against us.
Perhaps that is your yardstick.

One of Zambia’s celebrated Republican presidents, Dr Frederick CHILUBA said: ‘In the midst of SQUALOR and POVERTY, democracy is a recipe for anarchy.’
Now Mr WOOLLEY, tell me, what democracy have you seen grow in Zambia when its ailing economy and high cost of living are every day creating squalor and poverty everywhere? Are you in the business of brewing anarchy, High Commissioner?

From a failing country or uninspiring leadership, there is a junkies galore out there now in the compounds of Zambia.
The streets of Zambia are now being littered with sorry pieces of a social fabric in veritable tatters.

Mr WOOLLEY, stop trivialising our lives.
Do NOT mistake our unmatchable HOSPITALITY for weakness.

You are our guest, sir.
Please BEHAVE.
Keep your British manners of having airs and of snobbery to yourself.

Because of our UMUNTHU spirit, despite your people’s shady past, remember that we still respect you, Mr WOOLLEY.
Respect us.

You have your Britain.
Leave our Zambia ALONE.

Nothing is more offensive than a queer guest with known baggage who begins to throw his weight around and starts to disrespect his host.
We may have no money, Mr WOOLLEY, but this country is OURS, warts and all. Ask Mr Daniel FOOTE.

You strike me as a smart man, Mr WOOLLEY.
Certainly, it isn’t wool that is between your ears.

Days of empire are over, Mr WOOLLEY.
A new world order is emerging.

A world were mutual respect prevails amongst nations and multipolarity of global power exists is on the horizon.
Africa’s assertiveness is again on the ascendancy, it remains invincible and unstoppable.

Keep your place, Mr WOOLLEY.
Leave Zambians to govern THEMSELVES.

The British have nauseated us in the past.
But then this is 2023, isn’t it? Or is it that some things just never change?

Somebody pinch me!
Is something the matter with my nature?

Am I just too nice?
Why is it that aliens keep taking advantage of me?

CITIZEN Canisius
Development Activist

9 July 2023

PF CENTRAL PROVINCE LEADERSHIP VISITS ECL FOR SOLIDARITY

The PF leadership from various districts in Central Province yesterday visited former President Edgar Lungu at his Ibex Hill residence in Lusaka to offer him solidarity in the face of the challenges he has lately been going through together with his family members.

The provincial leadership led by chairman Mr. Billy Sichamba assured the former president that the party was solidly behind him and would continuously stand with him through thick and thin.

He said they had to travel all the way from the various districts of the province to empathize with the former President and offer him solidarity in the midst of these difficult times. They encouraged him to remain strong because this is just a passing phase.
The visiting leaders also recognized former President Lungu’s indelible legacy arising from his seven years he served as Republican president. They said the structural infrastructure across the country would always be there to speak for his contribution to Zambia’s developmental agenda. For this reason, they said, Zambians should appreciate his contributions to the country instead of vilifying him.